King James Version
Proverbs 22:26 in the King James Version says “Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.”
Proverbs 22:26 · KJV
Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.
If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?
Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set. landmark: or, bound
KJV Study — Public Domain
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
“Be not thou one of them that strike”
H8628to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become
“hands”
H3709the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
“or of them that are sureties”
H6148to braid, i.e., intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)
This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Proverbs 22:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Proverbs 22:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge